The collection of colorful canoes and kayaks that beckoned people to take a rented float down the Rogue River as they drove into Rockford has disappeared.
After four years, Powers Outdoors abruptly closed its downtown shop earlier this month.
Jacob Slominski, co-owner of the 56-year-old family business, which still has locations in Newaygo and Montague, didn't have time Wednesday to respond to phone calls and an e-mail seeking comment, a staffer said. [See below for update.]
In 2006, the company expanded its presence in West Michigan by moving into its biggest location at 65 S. Main St. The building was the remodeled former 7,500-square-foot home of Morris, Schnoor & Gremel Insurance.
The closure wasn't unexpected, says Darrel Herweyer, president of DAR Development Inc., which is in the process of finding new tenants for the property's owner. He thinks the space eventually will be shared by a few businesses. More information about the site is at dardevelopment.com.
“They had been fighting hard to stay in business (there),” Herweyer said of Powers. “The overhead was pretty heavy for what they were trying to do.”
The business specializes in paddle sports sales and rentals, and also offers camping gear, footwear and clothing. Powers Outdoors also had been supportive of many river events, including an expedition along the Grand River over the summer.
“They were a great business for us and we are sad to see it go,” said City Manager Michael Young.
But Powers Outdoors' departure doesn't leave the community up the creek without a paddle, so to speak.
AAA Canoe & Kayak Rentals, a staple on the city's north end, remains in business, renting canoes, kayaks and tubes.
A big draw of the community continues to be the Rogue River and the White Pine Trail that run through it.
“Eco-tourism is important to our community,” Young said.
